Supporting the next generation of healthcare academic leaders
The Council’s Aspiring Deans Leadership Programme is a new scheme designed to support and develop future leaders of health faculties across the UK. This year-long programme offers tailored development, strategic mentorship, and invaluable networking opportunities for emerging academic leaders who are committed to progressing into senior roles such as Heads of School, Deans, or equivalent positions.
About the Aspiring Deans Leadership Programme
Please note, we are not currently accepting applications at this time. We expect to reopen applications towards the end of 2026.
The Aspiring Deans Leadership Programme has been developed at a critical moment for health education and workforce development in the UK. The programme directly supports national priorities outlined in key strategic frameworks, including the 10 Year Health Plan for England. It aims to prepare individuals to lead through uncertainty and change, to be able to respond to changing policy and to be able to build and connect with the community in which they serve. Through engagement with the programme, we expect individuals to develop an understanding and appreciation of the political landscape of health and higher education.
The programme is also grounded in the ambitions of the Council’s Strategy 2030, which sets out a vision for a diverse, influential, and forward-looking academic healthcare workforce. The Aspiring Deans Leadership Programme aims to foster a pipeline of diverse leaders ready to contribute to shaping policy, advancing inclusion, and leading high-quality healthcare education. This programme does not only prepare individuals for senior leadership but helps them to build the collective leadership capacity required to meet the UK’s long-term health workforce and education challenges.
Programme Objectives
- Empower future leaders in health faculties to develop the skills and strategic insight needed for senior academic roles.
- Promote diversity and inclusion within our membership and wider sector leadership.
- Support career progression through mentorship, training, and exposure to national-level policy and leadership activity.
Aspiring Deans Leadership Programme
Over the course of the year, leaders will take part in a range of engaging and developmental activities, including:
- A closing, celebration event and continued engagement through the alumni network
- A welcome event and policy masterclass with the Council’s Chair, Vice-Chair, and Chief Executive
- Tailored one-to-one mentorship with a senior Council member
- A dedicated online four-part leadership training series focused on strategic leadership, influencing skills, and career development within the healthcare education landscape
- Free attendance at the Council’s Spring Conference and access to other Council in person and online events
- Opportunities to collaborate on a group project
- Engagement with Council resources, events, and policy work
- Networking opportunities with Council stakeholders, members, and senior leaders across the UK
and other ad hoc opportunities
Who is the programme for?
The Aspiring Deans Leadership Programme is designed for academics within the healthcare education sector who are looking to progress to a senior leadership role within academia in their careers. Individuals may be from a range of career stages but should be demonstrating some leadership capability within their HEI (e.g. module leaders, course lead) and below Head of School or an equivalent level. Applicants should be open and willing to learn about driving change, strategic thinking at a senior level and how cross-sector collaboration can help to address complex challenges within the health and education sectors.
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- be employed by a Council member institution within a UK healthcare faculty
- hold a leadership role and be aspiring towards senior leadership position within their healthcare faculty, e.g. Head of School or Dean level, and should currently be working below Head of School level (or equivalent)
- have a background in one of the disciplines represented by the Council: allied health, nursing, or midwifery.
Priority will be given to individuals from underrepresented groups, including those from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled individuals, and those working in professions currently represented within the Council’s membership (for example, midwifery or podiatry).
Frequently asked questions
When and where can I apply to the programme?
Applications are currently closed.
We expect to reopen applications towards the end of 2026.
What are the eligibility criteria for applying to the programme?
You must meet all of the following criteria to apply for the programme:
- have a background in one of the disciplines represented by the Council: allied health, nursing, or midwifery
- be employed by a Council member institution within a UK healthcare faculty
- hold a leadership role and be aspiring towards senior leadership position within their healthcare faculty, e.g. Head of School or Dean level, and should currently be working below Head of School level (or equivalent).
Priority will be given to individuals from underrepresented groups, including those from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled individuals, and those working in professions currently represented within the Council’s membership (for example, midwifery or podiatry).
If you are unsure as to whether you are eligible for the programme, please contact the team ahead of the closing date.
What is the cost of being part of the Aspiring Deans Leadership Programme?
There are no formal costs associated with being part of the programme. This will be funded by the Council of Deans of Health. However, you or your employer will be expected to cover any travel costs to attend any in person events (welcome event, Spring Conference, closing event, travelling to meet mentor in person).
What is the time commitment involved?
Applicants should expect to commit the equivalent of 1–2 days per month. Some dates will be fixed (e.g. attending events, training), but otherwise we hope to make the programme as flexible as possible, acknowledging competing demands. The more time and engagement invested, the more impactful the experience will be.
If selected, we will inform the Council of Deans of Health named member(s) at your institution and ask that they will support you throughout this process.
What is the selection process?
All applications will be reviewed by a panel and shortlisted based on the quality of the application and in consideration of the eligibility and priority criteria. Applicants that are shortlisted will be invited to an online interview.
What are the objectives of the programme?
- Empower future leaders in health faculties to develop the skills and strategic insight needed for senior academic roles.
- Promote diversity and inclusion within our membership and wider sector leadership.
- Support career progression through mentorship, training, and exposure to national-level policy and leadership activity.